The best plant pots for bringing the outdoors in

In the same way a suit is never complete without the perfect pair of formal shoes and a bed isn't a bed without a comfy mattress, no plant should be without a stylish plant pot. That's just a fact.

As winter gets closer and our only solitude becomes the ever-increasing proximity of Christmas, there's no better time to invest in some indoor plants and stylish plant pots to bring the greenery in. Whether you're a self-proclaimed Alan Titchmarsh protégé or just have your sights on actually keeping something alive for the first time in your life, a cacti collector or the proud plant parent of a flourishing bird of paradise, the right plant pot is the ultimate accessory (and may just facilitate easier plant care too).

Choosing the right plant pots for your home decor can, however, be more challenging than choosing your plants. As with shopping for furniture and other homewares, you'll want to consider everything from the aesthetics of your space to the type of plant you have, the size of pot you need and whether you want to keep it on a bookshelf, window sill, on the ground or elevated on a stand. Here, we've simplified the process with all the right things to think about and include our pick of the best indoor plant pots you can buy.

Which plant pots are the best?

There's a surprisingly wide array of plant pots out there, all with different purposes and all suited to different spaces. Whether or not a plant pot is right for you will depend on where you're planning on putting it in your home, if it's the right size for your plants and whether or not it is made from the right materials/colour scheme (terracotta pots can offer more rustic vibes while concrete planters are all about minimalist Scandi aesthetics). Once you have your plant pot, the next thing to consider is drainage. With most of these pots, it's best to avoid planting directly into them in order to prevent the water from pooling at the bottom, but make sure to follow the appropriate guidance for the pot you're buying.

Should plant pots have holes?

As any plant enthusiast does, we're guessing you've probably made the mistake of abandoning your orange plastic pot and immediately repotting your plant into something slicker and sturdier. Chances are that left you with one very unhappy plant. But it doesn't mean that your plant pot necessarily needs holes. According to Richard Cheshire, Patch Plant's resident expert, "drainage holes allow excess water to run out of the plant’s soil and prevent root rot, or signs of overwatering". So long as you have an interior pot that has some drainage, like the one most plants come with, you're all good. Cheshire also explained that making sure your plant has good drainage goes beyond just having holes, you need to "make sure to pour away any excess water in your drainage pot after watering as if your plant sits in water for too long, it can cause root rot."

What are the mental health benefits of keeping plants indoors?

Keeping plants indoors can have a range of benefits to health and wellbeing. "Many studies have shown that just being around nature makes us feel more relaxed," said Cheshire, "green is a colour our brain finds naturally soothing, so bringing a few plants into a room can immediately make it a nicer place to be."

But the benefits don't stop there. The act of keeping and looking after plants has upshots of its own. "Most plants are extremely easy to look after, but the simple act of tending to them gives your mind a chance to unwind and nurture something," says Cheshire. "Research has found that a bit of green can have a positive impact on productivity and concentration."

Shop GQ’s edit of the best plant pots to buy:

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